The BarberShop with Shantanu

In a captivating conversation, Rajan Anandan, Managing Director of Peak XV and Surge, and Prachi Pawar, founder of Anandi Schools, dive into the future of India's startup ecosystem. Rajan, a powerhouse in venture capital, offers insights on how India can become an AI superpower through application-first companies. Prachi shares her journey in education and the importance of adapting mindsets for billion-dollar opportunities. Together, they discuss crucial differences between Silicon Valley and Indian entrepreneurs, emphasizing the power of mentorship and continuous learning.

In a riveting chat, Ajoy Chawla, CEO of Titan’s Jewellery Division, shares his journey in transforming Tanishq into a household name. He delves into the evolution of Titan’s marketing strategies and highlights critical lessons from past failures. Ajoy discusses the importance of building trust in the jewellery industry and the impact of shifting consumer preferences. Tune in for insights on India’s diamond legacy, the rise of lab-grown alternatives, and how to connect emotionally with today’s young consumers.

In this episode, Shantanu is absolutely thrilled to sit down with Luis Miranda—Founding Member of HDFC, Ex-CEO of IDFC, and the founder of the Indian School of Public Policy. This one is packed with wisdom, laughter, and invaluable insights for anyone interested in leadership, impact, and the startup ecosystem!Luis is the kind of person who doesn’t take himself too seriously—despite having built some of India’s most iconic institutions. He’s an incredible storyteller, effortlessly blending high IQ with deep emotional intelligence.This time, the conversation is even more fun and candid, as Shantanu and Luis explore everything from leadership to the social issues that truly drive him. Luis has spent years working on causes that matter, constantly seeking to understand people and their challenges in a way only few do.From this episode, you’ll learn about what it takes to build and scale institutions, the importance of having strong role models, and why giving back is just as important as success.And here’s the best part—Luis has a way of making complex ideas sound effortless. His honesty, his warmth, and his storytelling make this episode a must-listen!We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did. Drop your thoughts in the comments—what resonated with you the most?Navigate your journey through this conversation:00:00 Coming Up02:38 The Importance of Reaching Out10:06 Building Relationships Through Conversations17:35 Career Path and Influences21:01 The Journey of HDFC Bank and Citibank36:19 Transitioning from Banking to Tech Startups39:00 Entering the Venture Capital World45:59 Exploring Development Sector Opportunities52:19 Finding Purpose in Work and Life54:12 World of Development59:58 The Importance of Reflection and Mentorship01:07:32 The Hunger for Success01:11:55 Finding Your Sweet Spot in Business01:12:30 The Impact of Middle Management01:16:00 Loneliness at the Top01:17:50 Prioritizing What Matters01:20:00 The Importance of Perspective01:21:40 Mindfulness in a Fast-Paced World01:23:30 Navigating Young People's Challenges01:26:30 The Balance of Hard Work and Care01:27:10 Understanding Entitlement in the Workplace01:28:33 Activism and Awareness in Today's Youth01:30:00 The Trade-offs in Public Policy01:32:42 Men's Mental Health and Societal Expectations01:37:27 The Role of Equity and Individuality01:39:51 Lessons from Indian Civilization01:41:01 Happiness and Expectations01:44:39 Final Thoughts on Life and Work

Shantanu Khosla, former MD of Procter & Gamble in India, shares priceless insights from his extensive brand-building experience. He explores the latest consumer trends and the transformative potential of technology in marketing. With a live audience, Shantanu dives into the emerging grooming market and the shift in young males' preferences. He discusses effective marketing strategies and how to build a hit product that resonates with consumers. Plus, listeners get insider tips on how to outsmart industry giants like Gillette!

Deep Bajaj, the founder of Sirona, shares his remarkable journey from earning a ₹6,000 salary to leading a ₹450 Cr women's hygiene brand. He humorously recounts his first job and the challenges he faced while identifying a market gap for products like Pee Buddy. Deep also reflects on his experience in Australia and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. The conversation dives into breaking taboos around women’s hygiene, innovative product development, and the importance of building trust in this often-overlooked market.

A former CEO shares his remarkable journey from building Puma into a market leader in India to founding Agilitas with a massive 600 Cr seed fund. The discussion delves into the challenges of establishing a global premium sports brand from India, innovative strategies for talent attraction, and the evolution of sportswear. There's a focus on the tension between authenticity and sensationalism in branding, the dynamics of startup culture, and the need for sustainable practices in fashion. Insights on navigating India's footwear manufacturing landscape complete this engaging conversation.

Delve into the fascinating world of AI and deepfake technology transforming content creation. Discover unique insights on building personal branding strategies and long-term intellectual property. Explore how authenticity plays a crucial role in digital storytelling. Learn about innovative content strategies that enhance engagement while balancing automated processes with the human touch. The conversation also highlights the vital dynamics of personal branding and the emerging role of individual creators in the evolving landscape of marketing and media.

Revant Himatsingka, known as Foodpharmer, is a content creator dedicated to exposing misleading marketing in the food industry. He shares his transition from corporate life to health-focused content, emphasizing authenticity and ethical dilemmas in brand sponsorships. Revant discusses monetization strategies for aspiring creators and envisions a future where transparency in health promotes informed consumer choices. He also reviews innovative products, including a sustainable shaving brand, and humorously reveals his ambition to become the Health Minister in 2029.

In this episode Shantanu Deshpande, CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, and Tanmay Bhat dive into the quest to find India’s next top creator! 🎨🚀Tanmay gives shoutouts to his favorite content creators, from Zakir Khan’s unmatched wisdom to Kunal Kamra’s unexpected passion for farming. He also highlights the reason for success of Samay Raina. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or just someone curious about content, this episode is packed with valuable insights on building brands, taking creative risks, and the power of collaboration.Think you have what it takes to be India’s Smartest Creator? Showcase your creativity with the Sensi Smart 3 Razor! You could win a contract worth ₹10 Lakh, secure influencer deals, and get featured with Shantanu on The Barbershop. (T&Cs apply)Here’s how to join the challenge:1. Sign up through the link below2. Create a reel, ad, or post featuring the Sensi Smart 3 Razor.3. Tag @BombayShavingCompany with #IndiaKaSmartestCreatorKaun.This is your chance—don’t let it slip by! Show us what you’ve got and register here: https://bit.ly/3Y6LZU9#Razorpreneur #IndiaKaSmartestCreatorKaun #BombayShavingCompany #ShantanuDeshpande #TanmayBhat #Entrepreneurship #contentcreation

Yashraj Mukhate is known for transforming content on the Internet into viral music sensations - like Rasode Mein Kaun Tha (featuring Rupal Patel), Tuada Kutta Tommy (featuring Shehnaz Gill), Charsulli Gardulli (featuring Rakhi Sawant).Be it Pawri Hoi Hai or Biggini Shoot, Yashraj has repeatedly proven that virality can be engineered and is not a fluke.In this episode, ‪@YashrajMukhateOfficial‬ shares his inspiring journey -- from an aspiring musician to a social media sensation -- in his conversation with Shantanu Deshpande. Discover how Yashraj crafts music content that resonates with millions, time and again.Yashraj shares deep insights with Shantanu, he shares his creative process, the software he uses for music production and the strategies that help his content go viral on platforms like Instagram and YouTube, this episode is a masterclass for any musician with a unique talent to break the Internet.Furthermore, for young entrepreneurs and music creators, this episode is packed with actionable tips on producing engaging content, and building an audience.🚀 Want to Join the Action IRL?Participate in Razorpreneur 2.0! Showcase your creativity with the Sensi Smart 3 Razor! You could win a contract worth ₹10 Lakh, secure influencer deals, and get featured with Shantanu on The Barbershop. (T&Cs apply)Here’s how to join the challenge:1. Sign up on the link below.2. Create a reel, ad, or post featuring the Sensi Smart 3 Razor.3. Tag @BombayShavingCompany with #IndiaKaSmartestCreatorKaunThis is your chance—don’t let it slip by! Show us what you’ve got and register here:https://bit.ly/3Y6LZU9